Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Semillón

Posted on April 25, 2022 by mcginnessalex

CHILEAN SHRIMP AND CHEESE EMPANADAS

INGREDIENTS:

6 empanadas dough thawed (on Latin supermarket, on the frozen aisle)
1 cup raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned, without the tail
5 washed and finely chopped scallions white and green parts(green onions)
½ teaspoon chili powder or Merquén
salt and pepper
1 cup of cheese coarsely grated, Havarti or Monterrey Jack are good choices
oil for frying

DIRECTIONS:

Make the filling: In a medium skillet, heat one tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-low heat, add the green onions and sauté until lightly browned and tender, about 3 minutes, add salt, pepper, and Merquén, stir well and add the shrimp and cook until they are getting pink. Remove from heat and let cool, add the cheese, and mix.
Once the dough is thawed, separate carefully. Place two teaspoons of filling of shrimp and cheese. Close the empanadas, slightly wet the edge with water, and then crush with a fork to seal the border. You can also make small folds after sealing the edge, my favorite way.
Heat oil in a deep pot to avoid splashing, test the oil with a piece of dough leftover, get out to the surface, and brown quickly in about 1 minute per side, or 400F. Place the empanadas to be fried, 2 or 3 at a time. Allow to brown on both sides, remove to a plate with an absorbent paper towel and let drain 1 minute, serve and eat hot.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Casas del Toqui
Barrel Series Semillón
Cachapoal Valley, Chile

SILKY WINE STYLE

This Barrel Series Semillón is wheat yellow in color. There are notes of citric fruits, white pear and honey on the nose. The palate is light, nice and fresh.

Varietal: 100% Semillón
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in third use oak barrel for two months
Closure: Screw cap
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 50ºF-53.6ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with fresh cheeses and seasoned shrimps

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
The Cachapoal Valley is renowned worldwide for its Mediterranean weather, where the Coastal Range and the Andes create one of the best soils in the region to produce high quality wines. The terroir of Casas del Toqui includes a wide range of soil types. Each plot of land is handled individually according to the unique characteristics of the terroir, which through a coordinated harvest, vinification and barrel management allows Casas del Toqui to keep individual lots to show the purest expression of each varietal. Learn more about the winery here.

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Winery Spotlight Series: May 25, 2022

Posted on April 20, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Guest Speaker: Nick Goldschmidt
of Goldschmidt Vineyards
New Zealand / California

Wednesday, May 25, 2022
7:00pm CST / 8:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event with guest speaker, Nick Goldschmidt, winemaker and proprietor of Goldschmidt Vineyards. Nick will be joining us live on the big screen.

Wines Tasted:

Singing Tree, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California
Boulder Bank, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Forefathers, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Fidelity, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, California
Chelsea, Merlot, Alexander Valley, California
Katherine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California
Hilary, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, California

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

About Goldschmidt Vineyards:

Yolyn and Nick Goldschmidt are owners/vintners, and Nick is the winemaker. While the winery offices are located in Healdsburg, California; the Goldschmidt Vineyard label is a program designed to showcase single vineyard source wines from both the Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Oakville appellations. Their goal is create wines that highlight the distinct characters, benefits and attributes derived from these site specific harvests. Joined periodically in the field by their five children, the Goldschmidt expertise is being passed down to the next generation. Learn more about the family business here.

About Nick Goldschmidt:

Born and educated in New Zealand, Nick Goldschmidt’s career began in 1982 with a research position at the New Zealand Lincoln University where he graduated with Distinction in Horticulture. In 1989, after 18 months of winemaking in Australia, New Zealand, California, and South America; including his first harvest in Chile as winemaker for Calitera, Nick returned to California with an amazing range of winemaking experiences. In 1998 Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt, established their own line of wines with the release of Goldschmidt Vineyards. Having produced so many world class wines from around the globe, Nick knew exactly which vineyard sites he would choose to make his wines from. All single vineyard, 100% varietal, handcrafted, small production artisan wines.. Learn more about Nick’s background here.

“Winemaking has been a passion that has fueled our dreams and enriched our lives. Even our children have become involved, whether by pitching in during harvest and crush or by helping pack “dad’s” bags as I head off to New Zealand and Argentina several times a year” – Nick Goldschmidt

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together!

Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Nick Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt Vineyards
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
7:00pm CST/ 8:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Posted on March 29, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Merryvale Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Merryvale Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and dark with aromas of black fruit, coffee and toast. On the palate, it highlights flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry with toast, coffee, and spice; with a long velvety finish.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Certifications: Sustainable Practices, Certified Sustainable, Napa Green, Vegan, and Non-GMO
Food Pairing: Enjoy with a classic sirloin, beef short rib or other braised dishes such as grilled lamb, or portobello mushrooms.
Critical Acclaim:

92 points, CS WE
91 points, JS (2017)
91 points, EC WE
91 points, WS
92 points, W&S (2016)
92 points, WS
92 points, WE (2015)

Merryvale Vineyards
Profile
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Merryvale Vineyards Profile wine has aromas of savory herbs, dark chocolate, roasted notes, black and red fruits. On the palate, there are complex fruit and herb flavors, with velvet texture, fine grained tannins, and a long savory finish.

This iconic proprietary red represents the pinnacle of Merryvale vineyards and winemaking. Intensity, refinement, and balance define this Cabernet Sauvignon dominant red blend. Sourced exclusively from the steep slopes of the Profile Estate Vineyard at the eastern edge of the St. Helena AVA. Exceptional terroir, vine-by-vine viticultural practices and small lot artisanal winemaking. Consistently awarded and highly-scored by critics.

“A terroir selection, the flagship 2017 Profile offers a classic nose of ripe blackcurrants, scorched earth, tobacco, cedar, and dried spices. This carries to an elegant, beautifully balanced 2017 with plenty of mid-palate depth, building yet polished tannins, and a great finish. It’s a classic, more savory, nuanced 2017 that will evolve for two decades.” – 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, January 2021

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
TA: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.87
Certifications: Napa Green, Sustainable
Vineyard: Profile Estate Vineyard
Cooperage: 80% new from the center of France
Élevage: 23 months
Harvest Dates: September 11th through 18th
Food Pairing: Beef, lamb, duck as well as rich, savory pasta dishes with portobello or shiitake mushrooms and roasted shallots.
Critical Acclaim:

93 points JS
92 points WE (2017)
95 points WA
94 points JS
92 points W&S
91 points WS
91 points WE (2016)
93 points WA
93 points JS
92 points WE
90 points WS (2015)

ABOUT THE REGION:
Napa Valley is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world and America’s most celebrated region. Defined by the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges and influenced by its proximity to San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Napa Valley enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate, long dry summers and cool evenings, perfectly suited to the growing of fine wine grapes. The resulting wines are richly flavored with vibrant fruit flavors and texture.

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Winemaker, Andrew Wright, grew up in the Sonoran Desert, knowing very little about wine and the winemaking industry throughout his early life. It wasn’t until a random trip to the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York that Andrew uncovered a passion for the winemaking industry. He consumed volumes of wine literature (and of course, the wines they described), expanding his palate and shaping his philosophies today. Andrew began his winemaking career at Callaghan Vineyards, planting vines in the high desert outside of Sonoita, Arizona – he worked several growing seasons here before entering the cellar of Arizona Stronghold. Andrew is thankful for these early experiences in the frontier, as they forged a deep appreciation for his hard work, experimentation and winemaking with intention.

In 2012, Andrew moved to Napa Valley and worked in the vineyards and cellars of Harlan and BOND Estates, Promontory, The Napa Valley Reserve, Fruition Sciences, and their clients (which included Merryvale at the time). Today, as the Winemaker at Merryvale Vineyards, Andrew is in charge of the production at the St. Helena winery. He oversees all of the winemaking operations for Merryvale wines and deeply believes that winemaking is the synthesis of philosophy, agriculture, science and art. Learn more here.

ABOUT MERRYVALE VINEYARDS:
Home to the first winery built following the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Merryvale Vineyards was part of the early fabric of the Napa Valley Wine Industry. Their collection of hand-crafted wines elegantly express the heritage, terroir, vineyards and subregions of Napa Valley. Learn more about the winery here.

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Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

Casas das Gaeiras Óbidos DOC

Posted on March 21, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Sautéed Fish with Mustard Tarragon Cream Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

16 ounces mild white fish (orange roughy, haddock, cod)*
1 tablespoon avocado oil
sea salt (to your taste)
2 tablespoons shallot peeled and minced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon

DIRECTIONS:

*If using frozen fish, completely defrost according to package directions.
Dry fish completely and set aside. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil.
When skillet is hot, sprinkle the fish with salt and add the fish to the pan. It should sizzle when it goes in the pan. If it doesn’t sizzle, your pan isn’t hot enough. Be sure the sides of the fish don’t touch. Do not move the fish until it releases from the pan. When it releases, turn the fish. When second side is done, remove fish from the pan. Place on a plate and keep warm.
Add shallots to the pan and cook until edges start to brown.
Stir in white wine vinegar. Using a spatula, scrape up any brown bits left in the pan. When vinegar is almost completely evaporated, pour in the heavy whipping cream.
Heat the sauce, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired thickness. Next, stir in the mustard and tarragon. Taste the sauce and add salt to taste. To serve, spoon the sauce over the fish.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Casa das Gaeiras
Óbidos DOC White Wine
Lisboa, Portugal

SILKY WINE STYLE

The DOC Óbidos White Wine has floral aromas, combined with fruity lemon and pineapple notes reflect the freshness of this wine – characteristic of this terroir.

Varietals: Arinto, Chardonnay and Fernão Pires
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Region: Lisboa, Portugal
Total Acidity: 5 +/-1
pH: 3.3 +/-0.5
Fermentation: Fermented in stainless steel vats
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Harvest: September and October
Winemaker: Tiago Correia
Critical Acclaim: 89 Points and Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast 2020

ABOUT CASA DAS GAEIRAS:
Casa das Gaeiras is often considered a little Chateaux in the Óbidos region, where niche wines are produced in limited production to reflect the tradition of the wines in this region. The excellent terroir allows winemaker Tiago Correia (pictured below) to produce high-quality wines, recognized for their wonderful freshness and minerality – both nationally and internationally. Learn more about Parras Wines and Casa Das Gaeiras here.

Casa-das-gaeiras

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April Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on March 21, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Portuguese Prego with Green Piri-Piri

INGREDIENTS:

Sandwich:
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 small rump steaks (about 150g each), all fat trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- few stalks of flat-leaf parsley
- 2 ciabatta rolls, lightly toasted
- 2 handfuls of Arugula

Green Piri-Piri Sauce:
- small handful of basil leaves
- small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 jalapeño, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 2 spring onions, chopped, including green bits
- ½ a clove of garlic, roughly chopped
- ½ tsp granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1: Rub the garlic over the steaks then put in a sandwich bag and tip in the olive oil, sherry vinegar and parsley stalks. Smooth everything together, then use a rolling pin to bash the steaks a few times. Leave to marinate for 1-2 hours.
STEP 2: To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into the blender with 1 tbsp water and whizz until as smooth as possible. This will make more than you’ll need for the recipe, but will keep for a week in an airtight jar.
STEP 3: Heat a griddle or frying pan to high. Remove the steaks from the bag, brushing away the garlic and parsley stalks. Season the steaks well with salt and pepper, then sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side. Set them aside on a plate to rest. Cut the ciabatta rolls in half, then toast on the griddle or frying pan. Then, put the ciabatta halves onto the plate, toasted side down, to soak up any juices.
STEP 4: Slice the steaks, then top the rolls with the green sauce and arugula. Enjoy!

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Casa das Gaeiras
DOC Obidos Red
Lisboa, Portugal

BOLD WINE STYLE

The DOC Óbidos Red wine has distinct notes of blackberries and blackcurrant with hints of coffee, and subtle nuances of cloves and black pepper. All flavors are in balance with the body and freshness of the wine.

Varietal: Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Lisboa
Total Acidity: 5.5 +/-1
pH: 3.5 +/-0.5
Fermentation: Fermented in stainless steel vats
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Harvest: September and October
Winemaker: Tiago Correia
Critical Acclaim:

Gold in Berliner Wein Trophy 2020
90 Points and Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast 2020

THE REGION:
The Geographical Indication (IG) Lisbon is one of the most important Portuguese wine regions, in terms of vineyard area and wine production. Formed by gentle hills, of low relief, IG Lisboa extends from the capital of Portugal to the north, along the coast, in a range not exceeding 40 km wide. This multifaceted region encompasses several denominations of origin, ancient and modern, with distinct characteristics. The climate is temperate, influenced by the Atlantic ocean, with relatively mild summers, cooler and wetter in the areas closer to the sea, warmer and drier in the areas protected by Montejunto mountain.

ABOUT CASA DAS GAEIRAS:
Casa das Gaeiras can be considered Parras Wines’ little Chateaux in the Óbidos region, where niche wines are produced in limited production to reflect the tradition of the wines in this region. The excellent terroir allows their winemaker to produce high-quality wines, recognized for their wonderful freshness and minerality – both nationally and internationally. Learn more about Parras Wines and Casa Das Gaeiras here.

Casa-das-gaeiras

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Winery Spotlight: Charles Krug Winery, April 13th

Posted on March 1, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Join us for a wine tasting with Peter Mondavi, Jr. © Photo from Charles Krug

Guest Speaker: Peter Mondavi, Jr.
of Charles Krug Estate
Napa Valley, California

Wednesday, April 13, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event with guest speaker Peter Mondavi Jr, co-proprietor of the iconic Charles Krug winery in Napa Valley, California. Peter Mondavi Jr., grandson of Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, will be joining us live on the big screen.

Wines Tasted:

Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc
Charles Krug Chardonnay
Charles Krug Pinot Noir
Charles Krug Merlot
Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon
Charles Krug Generations

April13_Charles_Krug_wines_email_header

About Charles Krug Winery:

In 1861, Charles Krug is the visionary father of Napa Valley wine making and established his eponymous winery in Napa Valley, California. In 1882, Krug opened the very first public wine tasting room in California, giving birth to wine tasting as we know it today. In 1943, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the iconic Charles Krug 147-acre estate and built upon its reputation for innovation and uncompromising quality wines. For almost 80 years and four generations, the Mondavi family have now been stewards of this great estate and iconic wine. Learn more about their winery here.

Charles_Krug_Vineyards-willow-lake-vineyard